Fixing a metal gas tank

[nouseforaname90]

Hey.. as many of you have probably figured by now because of my millions of questions about my SX, I'm restoring it and I want to know how to get the dents out of my metal '85 250SX gas tank? I'm hoping to get the dents out, sand it, and repaint it.
Thanks for any help on getting them out.
Also, what color should I use? There are many shades of red, and I'm wondering what specific color you guys have used? What brand? What type? Thanks alot.

[bigredhead]

There are methods ranging from

- fill with water and place in freezer
- Compressed air
- Bang from the inside with a wooden dowel
- Weld a rod to the outside and slide hammer it out.
- Suction cups
-etc.

Depends on the location.. size and tools at hand. What's the condition of the inside ? rusted or clean as a whistle ? how are the seams ?

[nouseforaname90]

The inside is perfect.. not even a spot of rust. And I'm pretty sure that the seams are fine.

[Yamahauler]

if you want to do a really good job of it, take it to a body shop and have them use automotive paint and pull dints and stuff. If you spray paint it, itll end up looking like crap.

[nouseforaname90]

How much do you figure it would cost to have a body shop do it? I don't have a ton of money at the moment.. and if it would cost quite a bit, I better wait. lol

[Yamahauler]

I think it might cost a good amount, but most body shops give free estimates, so it would hurt to go see.

I suggest if your going to get one to do it, make sure they have a fairly good reputation so the paint doesnt fall off in a month.

[42F67N]

you can do some really nice paint work with a rattle can if ya take your time prep it right and know what your doing.

[nouseforaname90]

Yeah.. I'd rather atleast TRY it myself ebfore I go to a body shop. Can ya give me instructions, 42F67N?

[Lomax]

Iget all my tanks done at a local body shop for around 75 bucks. Its only single stage paint but as dented up as the tanks I carry him are, the body work alone is worth twice that amount.

[nouseforaname90]

75? Whew. I had about $700, and have spent $550 to get my 3 wheeler, and probly about $60 on misc. items to fix it up. I only have almost $100 left at the moment, and I still have to buy my girlfriend and another friend of mine stuff for their b-days.. lol. I think I'm going to spend $5 and attempt it myself before I go to a shop.

[bigredhead]

gonna cost you more than 5 $

sand paper.. filler.. primer.. paint.. clear.. = more than 5 $ l.. hahaha

[nouseforaname90]

Well I have sand paper, primer, and clear coat.. thats not a problem.
I just have to get the right color of paint, and filler and/or something to pull the dents.
What kind of filler should I use?

[hondatrikesrule22]

Bondo is what you want. How are you going to strip the paint? If you haven't already, check out some stuff called aircraft remover. You can get it at Wal-Mart.

[nouseforaname90]

I was thinking about sandblasting for stripping the paint.. just cover the decals with painters tape or masking tape, and cover the holes that go into the gas tank so no sand gets inside.. but I was thinking that would be a bad idea.
What is aircraft remover and would it take the decals off of my tank along with the paint? What section of WalMart would it be in?

[hondatrikesrule22]

It will be in the automotive section. It is in a white can. It will eat away the decal like nothing. It only takes a few seconds to eat through the paint. Just wear gloves though. It will burn the **** out of you. :eek:

[nouseforaname90]

Ehhhh.. I dunno if thats what I want to use. I want to save atleast the big "Honda" decal on the side of the tank. I think sanding or sand blasting is what I want.